Fear is the emotional counterpart of being punched in the stomach. We double over and cave in. Fear compels us into all sorts of capitulating behaviors. Unfortunately, most of them are not helpful. Some are really hurtful.
That being said, there are so many things that pull us into fear — fears about the world, fears about the future, fears about death, fears about those we love, fears about our own well-being, just to name a few.
When we live out of our fears, there may be a momentary relief as we run away, but it is not life-giving. It only makes us more afraid. That’s why courage has always been held up in every culture as a virtue. What man doesn’t want to live courageously?
When we turn to the Bible on this subject, we discover something striking. The command not to fear is given hundreds of times. So how do we walk this out in obedience? Let’s explore three markers of a life not based on fear.
1. It’s a life of experiencing God’s presence
One of the most common ways fear is mentioned in the Bible comes like this: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” We are never told just stop fearing. With the command comes an invitation into another way of being in the world.
It’s being in the world with Jesus.
This is practicing the presence of God. It’s not just thinking about His presence with you, although that’s where we all start. It’s experiencing His presence with you. For the truth of the matter is that He is always with us as believers. We just forget this in our fears.
Here’s a simple exercise: before you go into a situation you know will be fearful, picture Jesus with you as you walk into it. Watch what shifts inside of you. Then go into that situation sensing His presence and remembering what shifted.
2. It’s a life of confident faith.
It’s so easy to be pushed around by fear. But the counterpart to fear in the Bible is faith. This is the feeling of trust with secure attachment as a foundation. Learning not to fear starts here, but at some point, it rises beyond that to look at the world with new eyes.
Faith sees the world not just as it is, but as it can be and one day will be. It’s a confidence based on God’s Kingdom, both now and in the future.
Jesus was patient with his disciples in so many areas. But there was one question He kept pressing them with: Where is your faith? It’s as if Jesus was saying, “I am with you now, in flesh and blood. Look at what I am doing. Can’t you learn to see the world the way I do, not out of fear, but out of confidence that I am bringing in My kingdom?”
Here’s another simple exercise. Take a situation that brings you fear. Now picture what would happen if Jesus brought His kingdom here. Start praying in confidence that way.
No wonder the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16) is mentioned as one of our chief weapons in the spiritual battle. It dispels the arrows of fear the enemy will throw at us.
3. It’s a life where love is the engine.
Once you begin to explore your inner world, you might be surprised to find how much of your life is driven by the engine of fear. I know this was the case in my life for years. I was in a constant motion of running away.
The human brain can hold many mixed emotions. But there are two it simply cannot hold together: fear and love. One always pushes out the other. This is why the Scriptures say, “Perfect love drives out fear.”
The more you live in fear, the less love will be your motivator. But the more you live in love, the less fear will dominate you.
Here’s a question I often ask men: “What would happen here if love became your engine and not fear?”
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter how fearful you might think you are. You can grow in this new life of living in God’s presence, feeling confident, and walking in love. This is the life Jesus lived and the life promised to us by the Spirit.
As we enter the season of Lent, self-examination might be in order. For underneath many of our fears lies simple, naked unbelief. As we repent of our lack of trust in Jesus, we will find a new freedom not to listen to our fears.
Want to hear more about how spiritual direction can move you into this life? Or do you have a question about fear? Contact me.
Bill
Photo by Antonio Tique: https://www.pexels.com/photo/backflip-28098332/
